Get Plugged In!

What I mean is….get connected.

I often meet new homeschool moms who have started to homeschool and have run into new obstacles and frustrations. Oh, they are many – and we have all had them from time to time. The problem comes not from the obstacles themselves, but rather from being left to our own devices to handle them.

Since we do not have a classroom of children to compare things to, how do we always know if our kids are learning enough? Since we are left more or less to our own devices to think about things like social development, learning styles and learning difficulties, how do we know if we are doing the right thing? Doubts can creep in – and they do.

In my walk with Christ, I have learned that without daily devotions and prayer I can easily become confused when the doubts creep in. I often find myself turning to the fellowship of believers for guidance or support through a challenging or confusing time. If we find this to be true in our walk with Christ, why is it we don’t think about the benefits of turning to the support of our own homeschool community? Why is it that we try so hard to do it on our own? God is constantly reminding us to depend on Him. He reminds us of our shortcomings. He comforts us and encourages us with his Spirit. It is through our own weaknesses that we see His strength.

If we’re not plugged in with our homeschool community we can often end up feeling overwhelmed and isolated. Participating in a monthly homeschool meeting can do wonders for casting out doubt. This is an opportunity to bounce things off other homeschool mothers who have been there. Not only will you feel normal once again, but you may also find yourself surprisingly encouraged. You may even leave with a new idea or two to help you overcome whatever obstacle that has thrown itself in your path. It is often easier to see things a little more clearly when we have a fresh or new perspective. I’m often amazed at just how many times I’ve caught myself saying “Oh, I never thought of it that way before”.

If you can relate to any of these things I’ve been talking about, why not check out the next homeschool meeting in your community? It may even be beneficial to try attending a meeting or two just outside your community as well. It’s also an opportunity to meet some new faces and perhaps make a friend or two. You’ll be thankful you had that friend to call the next time you have one of those days. I know I was, and for that I will always be thankful.